Grants up to £500 are available to help older people of state pension age aged 66 and over who are living on a low income in England and Wales with the costs of home essentials, unexpectedly large bills, living costs and getting connected online.
The Friends of the Elderly charity’s Grants for Older People Living on a Low Income programme has 4 strands:
Digital Connections: to help older people get online and stay connected and can be used towards the cost of equipment such as tablets and smartphones as well as Broadband/Wi-Fi/Mi-Fi (mobile Wi-Fi) costs. The maximum grant available under this measure is £400 or £500 for households where two or more people are eligible for grants (for example, a couple, siblings, friends living together at the same address).
Essential Living Costs: to help with clothing, food, medicines, books, and anything that has become unmanageable either because of the Covid-19 pandemic or due to some pre-existing need. The maximum grant available under this measure is £250.
Financial Support: to help with unexpected bills and large costs such as utility bills, funeral costs for loved ones, moving fees etc. The maximum grant available under this measure is £400 or £500 for households where two or more people are eligible for grants (eg a couple, siblings, friends living together at the same address)
Home Essentials: to help with the cost of replacing everyday items in the home (white goods such as washing machines, fridges, freezers etc. and furnishings), small home repairs and mobility adaptations. The maximum grant available under this measure is £400 or £500 for households where two or more people are eligible for grants (for example, a couple, siblings, friends living together at the same address).
In order to qualify for a grant (see the 4 strands above for respective grant levels), the older person must:
- Be of UK state pension age.
- Be on a low income and with savings of less than £4,000.
- Currently live in England or Wales.
- Have not served in the UK Armed Forces, and
- Living in privately owned, privately rented, or social housing (i.e. not in residential care or a nursing home).
Applications must be made by a Referral Agent in England and Wales who know the older person in a professional or community capacity. Referral Agents can include housing associations, local authorities, charities, community organisations, social workers, advice providers, health centres, cultural and religious centres. A doctor/GP surgery may also be a referrer, but only if they are willing to submit the application and follow through on its outcome. Please note that referral Agents cannot be friends, family, neighbours or other individuals.
To apply, the Referral Agent should complete the online application form available on the Friends of the Elderly website, where further information and guidance about the programme can also be found.
Grants are not available for:
- Covering credit card debt.
- Emergencies (for example, fast track grants).
- Funeral expenses for the applicant.
- Goods already purchased (except in exceptional circumstances).
- Items that should reasonably be provided via statutory services, or
- Mortgages or rent arrears.
Applications may be made at any time, but please note that only one application per household may be made every 12-months.